Eleven Hurricanes Selected To All-BIG EAST
Dec. 1, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Eleven University of Miami football players werenamed All-BIG EAST selections on Wednesday by a vote of the league’s headcoaches. Hurricane tight end Daniel “Bubba” Franks, offensive guard RichardMercier, wide receiver Santana Moss, linebacker Nate Webster, and center TyWise were first-team selections. Safety Al Blades, running back JamesJackson, linebacker Dan Morgan, safety Ed Reed, and cornerback Mike Rumphwere named to the second-team. In additon, Moss was named to thesecond-team as a kickoff/punt returner.
Franks, a junior from Big Spring, TX, has recorded 40 receptions for434 yards and four touchdowns in 1999. A powerful 6-6, 260-pounder who hasstarted in 29 of 33 career games, Franks has 72 career receptions for 976yards and 12 touchdowns. His 12 career touchdowns rank first all-time amongUniversity of Miami tight ends. This season, Franks has recorded five ormore catches in five games, including a season-high six catches for 78 yardsat Boston College on October 23.
Mercier, a senior from Montreal, Canada, earns first-team All-BIGEAST honors for the second straight season. Regarded as one of the toppulling guards in the nation, Mercier has helped paved the way for the Miamioffense to average 168 rushing yards per game. The veteran has started in46 games and is on pace to tie the school record for career games started.
Moss, a junior from Miami, FL, leads the team with 47 receptions and803 receiving yards. A semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, Moss wastwice named Chevrolet Player of the Game this season for his nationallytelevised performances vs. Ohio State (3 catches, 115 yards, 1 TD) andFlorida State (9 catches, 180 yards, 2 TDs). He has been named BIG EASTSpecial Teams Player of the Week in each of the past two weeks, afterreturning punts for touchdowns vs. both Rutgers and Syracuse.
Webster, a junior from Miami, FL, leads the BIG EAST with 139tackles (85 solo). A four-time recipient of BIG EAST Defensive Player ofthe Week honors, Webster is also one of 15 finalists for the Football NewsDefensive Player of the Year Award. This year, Webster has registered eightdouble-digit tackle performances, including a season-high 20 tackles vs.then-No. 2 Penn State on September 18.
Wise, a senior from Pensacola, FL, anchors the Hurricane offensiveline. Wise has started every game over the past two seasons, missing justone snap. An athletic offensive lineman, Wise excels at both run blockingand pass protection.
Blades, a junior from Plantation, FL, places third on the team with85 tackles. Blades has been a part of four turnovers this season, nettingone interception, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Jackson, a junior from Belle Glade, FL, has 708 rushing yards thisseason despite missing the last three games due to injury. A big-playperformer, Jackson has accounted for 17 plays this season of ten or moreyards.Morgan, a junior from Coral Springs, FL, was a Butkus Award semi-finalistthis season. Morgan ranks second on the team with 124 tackles, including4.5 sacks.
Reed, a sophomore from St. Rose, LA, has registered 72 tackles andfour sacks from the strong safety position this season. Reed has alsorecorded two interceptions and four pass break ups.
Rumph, a sophomore from Delray Beach, FL, has four interceptionsthis year, the most INTs by a Hurricane defender since 1994. A FreshmanAll-American last year, Rumph has 72 tackles this season.
Miami (7-4, 4-1 BIG EAST) hosts Temple (2-8, 2-4 BIG EAST) onSaturday at noon in the Orange Bowl.
